New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-11-11
COMPLETE SURPRISE TO THE TRUSTEES,
THEY HEARD OF DIR. MCosH's RESIGNATION WITH


DEEP REGRET-POs sIBTE SUCCESS RS
Henry NJ. Alexander, the well-known LAWYER wh1
is graduate of Princeton and a member Of tho
Board Of Trustees, and who present tho meet
ing of that body yesterday, speaking Of the resgna-
ton, sad last evening:
Tho meeting Of the Board to-day was an un-
usually largo ono but thcro had been no ntlmatlon
Of DR. McCosh's intention, and his resignation was
an entire surprise to Tho Board II created a pro.
found impression and feeling Of unaffected sadness.
/ cannot recall an occasion where nOuncement
OF similar kind produced such overwhelming
grct. But Tho Doctors a. ton f. understood to bo
final and rreyocablc Ho decided upon It after LONG
and thorough deliberation. II is in conformity with
the settled opinion his family that he has arrived
at an age when he must be relieved from the burden
Of responsibility which 1t was feared, owing to tho
Doctors persistent activity and irrepresslblo habit
Of constant work. might bring his life to sudden
termination. I may say, however that saw
Dr. McCosh looking better. He is seemingly in
possession of the most robus health. 1t is prob.
ably wise for him to stop before he begins
To show signs or breaking dowa But it is the
ton that the college shall b- wholly deprived OF his
derful abilities and experience in teaching. IG Is
expected that his relations with the institution will bd
continue in cspacity-ether professor lect-
urer probably committee to take into consideration
the whole matter OF the resignation aul TO MAKE such
suggestions may be deemed proper appointed.
The members OF the committee DIR. s. III. Penning-
ton. OF Newark y. j., chairman; the Rev DR.. John Hail.
OF New-YOrk; Henry NJ Alexander. OF New York;
John A. stewart OF New-York; the Rev.
DIR. W. II. Green professor in the Theological
Seminary OF Princeton, N. j.; Charles T.. Green. of
Trenton and the Rev. Dr. Francis b. Hodge, OF Wilkes
barre.
"The question as to who should be Dr. McCosh's suc
cessor discussed The matter was left entirely
In the hands OF the committee. definite action is
probable Immediately. Indeed. there disposition
Although Mr. Alexander declined speak OF the suc-
cession, II has neen learned that number OF nance
Dr. John Hall. of this c;y Professor william W. sloane,
OF Princeton and the Rev. Dr. Francis Patton, Of tho
Theological seminary.
The Rev. DIR. John Hail. another OF the trustees OF
Princeton College. found his homo. No. 3 West
Fy-.Stl-,t, last evening TO the reporter he said:
Nothing too strong can be sal IN regard TO the ability
and great learning OF Dr. McCosh ami what he has done
for The college II will be impossible To replace him..
The Rev Dr Henry j. Van Dyke, ir who Is president
OF the Princeton club OF this city, said:
"Dr. McCosh has done noble work for Princeton Col
lege and there is no question that, 90 far as big
permit, !: u will in' sS.sHae a to worn work 70!
nothing but the III" layns aside no"os OF
the weight OF responsibility and the necessity OF active
service any and tme independent his state
health condition. DR. Nc Osns policy IN regard to
the college has been at broa and conservative and
Institution stands on a basis where no change
short OF quake could affect IT, His last yea has
been his best year, ami II Is charac erc OF his wisdom
ana his scotch sasacity to make the best the
TO let 20 while he had his full strength and faculties
One naturally begins to ask who will succeed such
mau ot fortunately. al hough this Il serious question.
is not impossible one TO There is probably
more than one man within the reach OF Princeton Col
moving forward along the old lines with the new
methods. Whoever is chosen In this spirit
hearty support OF ali Princeton mem Ono
thing win be diicnltIio NM man who can raise as
another thing will probably be- mpossbleto lind rival
to him In his swn peculiar branch OF philosophy